Valley Yarns Lake Hitchcock Tee Crochet Pattern

Valley Yarns Lake Hitchcock Tee

What Is Being Made

The Lake Hitchcock Tee is a crocheted pullover garment designed by Sara Delaney. This intermediate-level project creates a simple, fitted tee with decorative colorwork accents at the shoulders and hem. The design draws inspiration from Lake Hitchcock, an ancient glacial lake in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and features rich navy blue as the primary color with contrasting accent colors creating swirled details.

Finished Measurements

The pattern is available in five sizes to fit chest measurements of 36, 40, 44, 48, and 52 inches, with finished chest measurements of 38, 42, 46, 50, and 54 inches respectively.

Techniques Used

• Worked Flat: The front and back pieces are constructed flat in rows rather than in the round, making this an accessible approach for intermediate crocheters.
• Seamed Construction: Pieces are joined together using seaming techniques, allowing for precise fit and professional finishing.
• Colorwork Integration: The pattern incorporates contrasting colors strategically placed for visual interest, with color changes worked directly into the stitch pattern.
• Cluster Stitch Patterning: Decorative cluster elements create textured bands and swirled effects throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

• Half Double Crochet (hdc): Forms the foundation fabric of the tee, creating a balanced drape and structure.
• Single Crochet (sc): Used in combination with other stitches to create definition and shape within the pattern.
• Double Crochet (dc): Incorporated into the decorative cluster sections to add height and visual texture.
• Chain (ch): Used for foundation chains and spacing between stitch groups.
• Cluster (Catherine Wheel): A special stitch that creates the distinctive swirled colorwork effect. This stitch is worked by yarning over, inserting the hook, drawing up loops, and drawing through multiple loops on the hook simultaneously, creating a gathered, dimensional effect.
• Slip Stitch (sl): Used for joining and finishing.

Materials and Yarn

The Lake Hitchcock Tee is designed to be worked with Valley Yarns Charlemont Kettle Dyed yarn for the main color and Valley Yarns Charlemont Hand Dyed yarn for the contrasting color. The yarn is a premium blend of 60% Fine Superwash Merino, 20% Mulberry Silk, and 20% Polyamide, providing both durability and a luxurious feel. Each 100-gram skein contains 439 yards of yarn.

Yardage Requirements by Size:

• Size 36": 3 skeins main color, 1 skein contrast color
• Size 40": 4 skeins main color, 1 skein contrast color
• Size 44": 4 skeins main color, 1 skein contrast color
• Size 48": 4 skeins main color, 1 skein contrast color
• Size 52": 5 skeins main color, 1 skein contrast color

The recommended colors are Navy Blue for the main color and Aphrodite for the contrasting accent color, though the pattern can be customized with alternative colorways.

Tools and Notions

• Hook Size: US 3/D/3.25mm crochet hook
• Additional Notions: Locking ring stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction progress

Gauge

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 14 rows over 4 inches in half double crochet. The hdc cluster band measures 1.5 inches wide. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly important in a fitted garment like this tee.

Pattern Structure

The tee is constructed by making two identical pieces (front and back) worked flat in